B. Parliamentary control

Ministers are responsible to Parliament for their department and its actions. The Commons can force a government to leave office. This happened in 1979, when the official Opposition put forward a no-confidence motion which was carried by one vote. The Government was therefore obliged to advise the Queen to dissolve Parliament and a general election followed.

One of Parliament's most prized occasions is Commons' Question Time. For roughly one hour a day, ministers are asked by MPs searching questions on major government policies. This is often the best way Tor MPs to probe ministers about government intentions. The Prime Minister is questioned twice a week.